Create a center turning lane on 25th & Fairlawn Rd. in Topeka, KS

My family lives on the corner of 25th and Fairlawn and we have not only witnessed over 20 accidents, but were recently involved in one. During busy times, vehicles wanting to turn left in either direction (red arrows) not only backup traffic on the inside lane, but also have to wait until the light turns yellow to make their turn. With enough traffic, or larger vehicles blocking the turning vehicles view, it can make for near impossible and dangerous circumstances. Generally, the turning vehicle will have to wait until the light turns yellow to make the turn. Accidents happen when someone behind vehicles in the opposite direction quickly change lanes to get around the vehicle (yellow arrow), or someone speeds up attempting to beat the light (green arrow).

For safety reasons, we need a center turning lane and turning lights installed at this intersection.

Several years ago, the city put signs up restricting left hand turns from 3pm to 6pm Mondays through Fridays, so they know it is a problem intersection. We know some drivers are following the rule because our driveway is used a lot during these times. They turn right onto our street, pull into our driveway (white arrows) to turn around because they can't make the left turn. And, with the recent re-paving of 25th St. on the 6 blocks east of Wanamaker, it is obvious that 25th Street is becoming more traveled.

I also know from city engineering that the main sewer lines are needing to be worked on, so this would be an opportune time to make the change. It will reduce downtime and efficiencies can be made that would reduce the costs of the addition.